INDIAN MEAL MOTH

INDIAN MEAL MOTH
Indian meal moths are one of the most common stored product pests found in homes. The larvae feed on coarsely ground flour and corn meal, but will also feed on whole grain, dried fruit, seeds, crackers, nuts, peppers, and dog food. The larvae produce a mass of silken webbing over the surface on which they are feeding. The appearance of this material definitely makes the food unappealing. The adults have a wingspan of only 5/8th inch. Wings are gray near the base and bronze colored further out, and the body is mostly white.

Life Cycle
The female lays 200-400 eggs directly on food products, with the larvae hatching out and immediately eating the food, making silken tunnels as they travel. They leave the food to create a cocoon and pupate, going through the life cycle in 1-10 months. There can be 4-8 generations each year.